History of Boracay

Years Ago, what is now known as the finest beach in Asia and one of the best in the world, Boracay Island was a well-guarded secret, almost possessively so that only a few knew of its existence, its pleasures whispered from one privileged ear. Back then, it was virtually deserted, a true hideaway indeed

Until the 70's when, it is said, a foreign movie crew accidentally "discovered" this island paradise. Although others maintain that the one that really let the secret out was German traveler Jens Peters' book, which included raving reviews of Boracay. Whichever story is true, it was around this time that Boracay Island slowly ceased to be a private travelers hangout and eventually became a favorite tourist destination in the Philippines. In a span of a mere 10 years, the whole world, it seems, has discovered Boracay, and the once - nearly - deserted stretch of the most spectacular beach in Asia with lantern-lit bungalows is now a teeming vacation and leisure spot for upscale tourists from all parts of the world.

While its powder-soft white sand beaches and clear cool waters provide the main attraction, tourists and guests will be relieved to know that Boracay's allure does not end there. Modern-day facilities now line the 3.5-kilometer White Beach along the west coast, the island's longest stretch of white sand; comforts such as fancy, air-conditioned bungalows, nightly buffets of fresh seafood, guitar music, and massage. There are also restaurants, shops, even disco's and bars for a bustling night life. Year after year, vacationers trip to Boracay for sun, sea, and life along the beachfront, and hundreds of local and foreign tourists a day on the beach is a pretty common sight, especially during the peak months.

While its powder-soft white sand beaches and clear cool waters provide the main attraction, tourists and guests will be relieved to know that Boracay's allure does not end there. Modern-day facilities now line the 3.5-kilometer White Beach along the west coast, the island's longest stretch of white sand; comforts such as fancy, air-conditioned bungalows, nightly buffets of fresh seafood, guitar music, and massage. There are also restaurants, shops, even disco's and bars for a bustling night life. Year after year, vacationers trip to Boracay for sun, sea, and life along the beachfront, and hundreds of local and foreign tourists a day on the beach is a pretty common sight, especially during the peak months.

Boracay is literally teeming with life. Some of its privacy may have been lost with the deluge of visitors it attracts every year, but it doesn't seem to matter. People from as far as Europe continue to flock to its brilliant shores and aquamarine waters. Its popularity seems to serve as an added attraction for both old-timers and newcomers, enhancing rather than diminishing its allure. Perhaps this is because even with the increased number of visitors in the island, the serene ambiance of the place commands respect, making each and every guest behave accordingly, and this allows for true relaxation and some semblance of privacy, too, since there are no loud commotions and aside from lapping of the waves and the distant drone of the occasional motorboat, virtual quite is still prevalent.

The island paradise was born in prehistory when a reef platform attached to northwestern Panay Island rose and revealed two islets. Sand accumulated between the twain, wedding them into a Philippines contribution to the worlds natural treasures